Main Pumping Station, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Pendleton, East End, Cincinnati, OH
Constructed between 1902 and 1904 as part of the "New Works" of the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, a major overhaul in the water service system for the city built at the turn of the 20th Century, this Neoclassical-style building stands along Riverside Drive (formerly Eastern Avenue) in Cincinnati's East End at the old Pendleton neighborhood. Six massive steam-driven plunger pump-type pumping units were originally housed within the limestone edifice, with the high-tech interior contrasting with the Classical-style exterior, which featured an intricate cornice, the city's seal, a red tile hipped roof, pedimented and arched window headers, an arched entrance porch centered on the pedimented middle pavilion of the building, Roman Lattice windows, and corinthian pilasters. The building still serves as the main pumping station for the city's water system, but, due to the flood-prone nature of the location and the importance of the sensitive equipment inside, the building has been surrounded for decades by a high concrete floodwall on all sides, reducing the ability to appreciate the beautiful facade of the building. Additionally, alterations, such as the infill of the lower row of windows with glass block and some upper windows with limestone panels, have impacted the historic character of the building. Nevertheless, it still remains a marvel of both early 20th Century engineering and architecture, a true public palace to progress.
Main Pumping Station, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Pendleton, East End, Cincinnati, OH
Constructed between 1902 and 1904 as part of the "New Works" of the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, a major overhaul in the water service system for the city built at the turn of the 20th Century, this Neoclassical-style building stands along Riverside Drive (formerly Eastern Avenue) in Cincinnati's East End at the old Pendleton neighborhood. Six massive steam-driven plunger pump-type pumping units were originally housed within the limestone edifice, with the high-tech interior contrasting with the Classical-style exterior, which featured an intricate cornice, the city's seal, a red tile hipped roof, pedimented and arched window headers, an arched entrance porch centered on the pedimented middle pavilion of the building, Roman Lattice windows, and corinthian pilasters. The building still serves as the main pumping station for the city's water system, but, due to the flood-prone nature of the location and the importance of the sensitive equipment inside, the building has been surrounded for decades by a high concrete floodwall on all sides, reducing the ability to appreciate the beautiful facade of the building. Additionally, alterations, such as the infill of the lower row of windows with glass block and some upper windows with limestone panels, have impacted the historic character of the building. Nevertheless, it still remains a marvel of both early 20th Century engineering and architecture, a true public palace to progress.